Tony Moore Presents AWAKE To Go
Words by Glenn Sargeant
Photo Credit: Supplied By Artist
Singer-Songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Tony Moore has had an illustrious career being in bands such as Iron Maiden, Cutting Crew as well as his solo work. He talks to us about his new show ‘AWAKE’:
‘Tony Moore Presents ‘Awake’ live show previously at places such as The Bedford in Balham and The Camden Club in Camden, London. Whilst I really do not want to spoil it for people could you please tell our readers about the story/inspiration behind ‘Awake’?
AWAKE (the show) began as a short piece of music based around the opening guitar “motif” that starts the song “AWAKE”. I came up with this in Jan 2021, during the second part of the lockdown, and developed it over the next few days into an extended piece that included a verse and chorus. I then did a live Facebook stream of it, playing guitar along with the track, around 8 mins straight through ( and only a few “jazz” notes!). The feedback from everyone was great, really encouraging and I quickly gained thousands of views. This was the “epiphany” moment, I suddenly realised that this was the opening track of an album that was yet to be written and recorded called, of course, AWAKE.
I set myself the task of writing and recording a concept album in only two months, February and March 2021.
The subject matter was partly what we were all going through together in every city, in every country at that time. It was partly me looking reflectively at my life and realising that the 13 year old Tony‘s dreams had yet to be fulfilled and it was partly about dealing with my Mum’s dementia and being her primary carer.
Over the last 2 years of shows, I have been touched to discover that my very personal journey seems to have a powerful Universal appeal and connection. AWAKE is more than just a show and music, it’s a journey to discover Truth, Meaning and Love in a world gone crazy.
‘Awake’ will be visiting The Electric Theatre in Guildford, Surrey on Sunday 29th October 2023 with tickets onsale now. How are you feeling about visiting Guildford with ‘Awake To Go’ as you put it?
I have always loved Guildford, it’s such a creative and musical place. The Electric Theatre is not only a beautiful and very inspirational space but it will be my biggest stage and audience so far and I intended to make this a very special show.
What are some of your favourite pieces of music gear for both ‘Awake’ and other live shows?
I love playing guitar so much, and have collected quite a few now in order to be able to do the show in different locations. My favourite is actually a CORT G300 in Black. It’s such a wonderful electric guitar and I could quite happily play it all day.
Do you have any plans to release ‘Awake’ in any music formats or perhaps a live recording release of the show?
I originally decided to hold the release back until I had built the awareness of AWAKE up to as level where there was a demand for the album however I have now also just done a 2 day shoot to film the show in its entirety with a live audience in order to capture the show at this point in time and I think both album and film will come out in 2024 now.
Was ‘Awake’ a difficult album for you to write?
No. Actually, it was probably the most inspirationally creative moment in my entire life. I think the combination of lockdown, the time spent with my Mother and the freedom to make an album that had no rules was truly liberating.
How do you look after your voice?
Well….I started singing when I was 13 and have been singing almost every day since. I have never abused my voice and always sung in a range and style that didn’t negatively affect me so I have been lucky enough to always find my voice there for me when I need it. However, during the lockdown I was streaming 2 hours a night for over 250 shows and found that I had developed a greater depth and strength in my voice than I had ever had before.
Much of your life has been devoted to championing up and coming talent and giving them an opportunity to showcase their work at venues such as The Bedford and The Camden Club amongst others. Would you ever consider holding a Masterclass on songwriting, performance and dealing with various technologies to put on a live show?
I have actually done both songwriting Masterclasses and “Industry” Masterclasses in the past, I do enjoy sharing my experience and thoughts with people and will do definitely do some more in he future.
Do you have any ‘Awake’ merchandise that people can purchase at the shows?
I currently have AWAKE T shirts, Caps and Tote bags.
What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?
That everyone has felt something profoundly moving during the show and that people will look at sheds in a new light.
Do you have further live plans for ‘Awake’ in addition to the Guildford show?
I have some exciting news to announce in a month or two about a special tour in January which will lead into a headline tour around the UK in February.
What makes Tony Moore happy and what makes you unhappy?
I am happiest when I am making music and sharing it with people. I try to live in the moment and enjoy every day, but when people are not able to realise their real potential it makes me sad.
Photo Supplied By Artist
Tony Moore Presents ‘AWAKE’ will visit The Electric Theatre, Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom on Sunday 29th October 2023. Tickets are onsale now and available here:
Tony Moore – AWAKE! | Electric Theatre
For more information on Tony Moore Presents ‘AWAKE’ visit:
Website: https://www.tonymooremusic.com/
AWAKE Website: http://www.awakemusic.info/wp/
